Endless Warm By Yiran Qian

Part of Design Boom's Green Life Contest... I wish these were available now. :)

Endless Warm
Design By : Yiran Qian from Germany

Designer's own words: Endless warm, is there any warm endless? Especially in cold windy winter. Solar energy be found and be used so many years, but it's still far away from us. Either with big machines or with high-tech devices. Imagine when you stand outside in winter, the cold makes people has nothing to fight against it. Especially the fingers and ears. Those high-tech machines only remind you how far away they are. Now with this solar panel on your hat and glove, you will have the warm from the sun, the endless warm come from so far away but it can reach every finger tip of you. The sun is so far, the sun is so close...

God Grew Tired of Us

I did not want to see this movie at first... only because I was afraid it would make me sad. And there are sad moments, but there are also compassion moments, and many moments where your heart smiles so big for these lost boys. Most importantly, it is a good reminder of just how much we have to be grateful for and appreciate what we have (even when times are tough). Let's not forget our blessings.

Want Bubbles?

Long lasting bubbles??? Deep Steep is by far- the best bubble bath I've ever used. It's organic, well priced, and smells delish... lavender + chamomile was my choice. Plus, it's herbal and not "gag" perfume-y. Yah!

The best part of Deep Steep... I enjoyed an abundance of bubbles that stayed with me for the entire long length of my long soak- including and throughout my scrub down with "soap" (this is when they usually disappear). I was happily surprised. Sometimes you just need a really good bubble bath.

p.s. remember at iherb.com you can use code GOG211 for $5 off.

What Are You Grateful For?

"The single greatest thing you can do to change your life today would be to start being grateful for what you have right now" - Oprah Winfrey

A friend of mine has continually been posting what he is grateful for...which I think is sooo cool and then I come to find that it is a site we can all join.

GratitudeLog is a free service where people come together to celebrate happy moments, send simple gifts of appreciation and brighten up each other’s day. Plus, you will be 25% happier just by using GratitudeLog.com. How cool is that? :-)

Easier than keeping a journal, and it allows you to connect with friends and inspire each other. It's a perfect time to join... Happy Thanksgiving!!!

"If you want your life to be a magnificent story, then begin by realizing that you are the author, and every day you have the opportunity to write a new page." - Mark Houlahan

515 Chemicals We Put On Our Bodies

(Image from article- link is below)

In short: Why it's important to READ THE LABELS. ALL labels- yes even the organic ones. If you don't know what something is- do some research. You may be thinking you're making your skin "younger", when in fact you are doing just the opposite.

It's quite similar to those people who go under the knife all the time... they think they are reversing their outer age when in fact they just are making themselves look freaky. Full Article can be found HERE.

60 Minutes: The Cost of Dying

"This is a hard time in human life. But it's just a part of life. Collectively, as a culture, we really have to acknowledge that we're mortal. Get over it. And start looking at what a healthy, morally robust way for people to die looks like." - Ira Byock

Why Probiotics

(Ultra Flora Plus DF by Metagenics and Arrabinogalactans by Pure Encapsulations)

I am a big fan and have been taking probiotics ("for life") on a regular basis for a couple of years now. Prior to, I had no idea really what they were or how important they are. I've mentioned previously (and it has been medically stated), that 80% of our immunity lies in our gut.

Most of our guts have been pretty wrought due to taking antibiotics ("against life") and eating a diet filled with refined unnatural and processed foods, which leads to an imbalance and allows bad guys to over take the good guys.

My wonderful doctor likes to say, "the gut is suppose to be a meadow- not a cesspool". Yeast, fungus, heavy metals, and parasites, are not suppose to be in there.

It has been asked many times, "why do you need to take them daily"? Since they colonize, grow and multiply it would seem that you shouldn't need to take them as often. A good analogy is that of the compost bin. In order to get healthy soil you have to keep putting in good stuff to feed it- constantly.

We live in today's world, which is filled with pollution, bacteria, and have eaten an abundance of processed and unnatural foods. Generally we all have unhealthy guts and it takes time to clear this up (even with the most pristine diet- still takes time).

When you take probiotics you are interfering with the food supply of yeast - limiting what they and other "bad guys" have to eat. Arrabinogalactans metabolize butyric acid, which produces colonocytes (short chain fatty acids). Colonocytes are intrinsic tissues of the colon, which also feeds the "good guys"- they love it and it heals them.

There are allot of probiotics out there... some have FOS (Fructooligosaccharides, which are a sugar polymer that our bodies cannot digest. Also, FOS and probiotics do not get along) and others SBOs (Soil Based Organisms). In my humble opinion... stay away from these. Do some research. And take your probiotics!

My Favorite Way to Eat a Papaya

I can't remember if I posted about this before... but I figured I'd post just because I had it this morning and truly my favorite way to eat a papaya. Take advantage as they are in season (I know not locally) now.

1. Slice a papaya in half
2. Scoop out the seeds
3. Mix an avocado and mango in the blender
4. Place avocado/mango mix in the papaya
5. Top off with some coconut shavings

Scoop out with a spoon and enjoy. It's soooo good!

"If nothing else, my life has taught me one thing: The mind and body that I have are the only mind and body that I have. They deserve my attention. And when I give it, I receive so much more in return." -Mathew Sanford

Thanksgiving Roof Top Market

FYI... esp those Brooklyn folks...

Dear friends and urban farmers,

The view from the rooftop is still one of verdant deliciousness! Come on up to 44 Eagle Street this Sunday, from 10am-5pm for the last market of 2009. We're looking to garner 100% of next year's seed budget, so come support, eat well, and take in the gorgeous view of hundreds of marigolds still blooming on the Rooftop.

Add the local-est of produce to your Thanksgiving feast: spicy mesclun, pickled peppers, nasturtium pesto and three kinds of kale is the short list. Additionally, the Farm is partnering with both upstate growers and local food artisans of the Greenpoint Food Market to round out our selection with apples and potatoes. You can pick up your sweet "I'm a local foodie" market bag and t-shirt, too, designed by the talented volunteers here at the Farm.

Volunteers are welcome--if you'd like to help with the harvest, come early starting at 8am to pitch in. If you're interested in assisting with overwintering, stay in touch. Write an email to rooftopfarmer with "overwintering" in the subject line, and you'll be added to the line up. Ditto compost--to add your food scraps to our pile, send a shout with "compost" in your note, and you'll be added to updates on public collection.

Eat well, and have a great Thanksgiving!
--
www.RooftopFarms.org

Date:	Sunday, November 22, 2009
Time:	10:00am - 4:00pm
Location:	44 Eagle Street Greenpoint Brooklyn

Ocean Quest

Ocean Quest - The HD-Trailer from Alex Detig on Vimeo.

Thanks to my friend, Noah for sharing. Around 1:34- UNREAL moment. A little mind break for the day. Enjoy!

Mozzarella Tomato Basil Salad

I love this salad. It's light and fresh and satisfying. There's still time before all the farmer's markets run out of tomatoes. These beauties are my favorite orange, mixed with some reds. Sadly, my basil plant is dying, but the basil from the store was still pretty fresh. The buffalo mozzarella I'm afraid, is definitely not local... it is from Italy (mozzarella di bufala campana)... and delicious.

Ingredients:
Buffalo Mozzarella- sliced
Basil- I like the whole leaves
Tomatoes- diced in half
Salt and Pepper to taste
Teaspoon Olive Oil
Dash of Balsamic Vinegar

Toss together and eat!

"We don't catch diseases, we create them by breaking down the natural defenses according to the way we eat, drink, think and live." - Hering

Solar Powered Treehouse Classrooms Unveiled in the UK

Lucky kids. Looks like learning can be fun and green. From Inhabitat... "Recently the Elleray Preparatory School in the UK unveiled an incredible set of tree-top classrooms. Situated in the Lake District National Park, the three green-built class pods stand on stilts connected by a center platform made from recycled materials. Built to have a low impact on the environment while accommodating the school’s expanding student body, the Treehouse School is sure to inspire all the children the walk through its doors." Full Post can be found HERE.

Reusable Produce Bags

I am really excited about these produce bags from 3BBags.com. Each pack contains 3 bags (two bags measure 11 x 14 inches and the other 14.5 x 18.5 inches) and costs $7.50. All bags are made of fine mesh with a drawstring, are machine washable, virtually weightless and see through.

Their tip: using three bags just once a week can save as many as 150 plastic bags per year!

And right now they are having a sale... if you purchase 4 packs (that's 12 bags) you get free shipping. Yah! I think they would make great gifts too!

Recyle Compost Trash

This photo was taken while at Blue Hill Farm. I see a trend. Hopefully it reaches all of us sooner than later. How awesome would that be?

Blue Hill Farm

Blue Hill Farm exceeded all my expectations.

First, we got lucky with "odd" New York weather... odd in November means sunny and warm out. Plus, gorgeous clear skies and we were out of the city... in Tarrytown off the Hudson.

(The best champagne and that little appetizer had us all wanting more)

The best part of this gorgeous day was that we got to enjoy it with friends.

(Love the presentation)

We had the most delicious appetizers, champagne, and wine with every course. The food was picked and prepared momentarily before our arrival from the farm and paired with other fresh goodness from other local farms. Bluehill Farms partners up with other great farms in their neighborhood, contained within a 250 mile radius. Below are some pictures from the meal... I was so focused on eating that I forgot to shoot every one.

Fennel Soup
apple, american paddlefish caviar (I skipped this)
Pascal Pauget Macon Terroir de Tournus' Burgundy, France 2007

Handmade Cavatelli
locally foraged mushrooms
August Kessler Spatburgunder Rhiengau, Germany 2004

Calliflower Substitute for Loin of Beef
carrots and brussels sprouts from the field
Camiligano Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany, Italy 2003

It is one of the most decadent meals I've had to date, and I loved it even more knowing it was from the farm. The service was amazing- there was a waiter for each of us and the presentation was lovely.

You are free to roam the grounds. They have plenty of gardens and greenhouses. We saw wild flowers, turkeys, chickens and pigs. All free range, looking healthy and happy.

Turkeys

Sheep

Lots of Chickens- they didn't keep still

Blue Hill Farm, is extremely elegant (yes- even with the farm animals) and spectacular- aside from any weather. I can't wait to go back. Make a date!

Interesting... More on Vaccines.

A friend shared this and I just had to share with you...

Not everyone in EU is sleeping, ignorant or profiting on vaccines. The Polish Health Minister refuses to spend millions, endanger the health of millions of people, and make Big Pharma happy... Denmark has bought vaccines for 160 mil., Norway for 550 mil., and signed a deal with Big Pharma, where they are obliged to pay......about 10 mil. annually in "vaccine subscription" and buy millions of vaccines whenever there is a flu epidemic. Also Big Pharma cannot beheld responsible for any damages caused by the H1N1 vaccine. Sounds like a fair deal, doesn't it? But don't worry, your government has invested a lot of money in Big Pharma shares on the stock exchange and will get their share of the cake. Sleep well, government will take care of your health and money!

Encounters at the End of the World

"Through our eyes, the universe is perceiving itself. Through our ears, the universe is listening to its harmonies. We are the witnesses through which the universe becomes conscious of its glory, of its magnificence." - Alan Watts

I have a friend who is at McMurdo, and coincidentally we had "Encounters at the End of the World", a documentary by Werner Herzog in our queue. It is a slow, but thoughtful and some of the imagery is breathtaking. It's quite incredible that only a handful of people will ever get to experience this part of the earth. I particularly loved the quotes that were shared from the philosopher, Alan Watts. Spot on.

Animal Vegetable Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

(Ours is well loved)

I wanted to wait to share this book (though I am sure many of you had already enjoyed it's contents) once I finished it, but I can't wait any longer. I LOVE it. I am about 1/2 way through. I am savoring it. You MUST read it. It's eloquent and as I read it- I want to read more, learn more and eat more more local foods. Do not delay!

Potato Leek Soup

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This soup is delicious. I've made it multiple times already this season. It's hearty and yummy and pretty easy to make.

Ingredients:
3-4 Leeks, sliced thin
7-8 Potatoes
1 Onion, chopped
1 Cup Cream
1 Stick Butter (You can do less- we just like the butter)
3.5 Cups Vegetable Broth (You can use Chicken Broth as well)
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste

Slice leeks (I use the Cuisinart). Do not use the dark green parts. Add them and the butter along with the chopped onion, to a large sauce pan over medium heat.

Slice potatoes and add to the sauce pan once the onions are limp and starting to brown.
Add in the vegetable broth. It should cover the potatoes. Continue cooking over medium heat until the potatoes are tender.
Once tender, you can either use a potato masher and mash down until desired consisted or scoop out and blend in your Vitamix (I do this since I do not have a masher). Add back to the pan once blended and add in the cream. Cook for 15-20 minutes longer over low heat, stirring frequently. Add sea salt and pepper to taste. Then it's ready to be savored. :) This soup is especially great with the Fontina Cheese + Mushroom Sandwiches.

Pumpkin Bread French Toast

(Indulging)

I came across Orwasher's Bakery stand while at the local farmers market in Dumbo and had to indulge in some beautiful pumpkin bread. What sold me was the idea of making it into French Toast as suggested by the baker. So we indulged. I have to say I usually do not mix eggs with carbs. Why? Well a carb and a protein do not digest well together. They each need different enzymes to digest and when you combine them those enzymes they cancel each other out and generally the food will sit in your belly- which is not good. However, I made an exception for this pumpkin french toast. Plus we take enzymes (Multizyme + Zypan by Standard Process) so not to worry to much.

(How can one resist this gorgeous loaf?)

And as you can see we did indulge. Anthony whipped up some whole cream from Milk Thistle along with 2 vanilla beans and a drop of maple syrup. We also had some butter and more maple syrup along with those raspberries. It was REALLY good. Try It.

What Real Apples Look Like

Spotted this at the Farmer's Market in Union Square... it reads: "Apples- this is what they look [like] when not sprayed. Taste they have! Looks they don't. Delicious."

Translation: Don't Judge A Book By It's Cover. Now I am curious about all the pretty apples I've bought.

It's Fall. It's Winter. It's Fall. It's Summer. It's Winter.

It's been what seems like forever since I did a post. I have been meaning too (lots to share- stay tuned)... but I have been crazy busy and my time is as fickle as this weather of late. Isn't this picture gorgeous? I took it while passing by Central Park. I love this time of year. When the air is crisp, you bundle up a bit more, though you still see the sun, and everyone starts feeling festive. Delicious.

NYT Article: The Carnivore’s Dilemma

(NYT image: Emma Houlston)

Amen! Though I choose to eat a vegetarian diet, I am always surprised that some think eating a vegetarian and/or vegan diet will save this planet from global warming. Factory farming vs farming along the lines of "as nature intended" are quite different.

Anyone who spends some time in nature realizes that we are a whole eco-system and we all need each other. Cutting one out will only hurt us. We already know how bad mono-culture (growing one thing) crops are. Plus, you know how I feel about soy and I think we all need to limit how much grains we eat. Could you imagine if we all ate soy? Well actually most people are these days... they just don't realize it. But you get the point... Yikes! Please READ this article HERE.

p.s. I don't think anyone likes killing animals- even those that eat them. Could we eat them less often? I think so. But I definitely do not think they are solely to blame for the planet's health.